Siding securement system

ABSTRACT

A siding securement system for attaching siding to a structure. The system includes threaded fasteners having a portion of the shank non-threaded. The threaded portion of the shank is inserted into a metal stud using a self-tapping tip, while the siding is provided with elongated slots which ride along the non-threaded portion of the fastener. The freedom of movement of the siding along the non-threaded portion of the fastener prevents the siding from buckling, bubbling or warping which accompanies expansion, contraction and movement as the result of elemental effects on the siding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to a system for securing siding to a structure and, more particularly, a system for securing flexible siding to a structure in a manner which allows the siding to move in relationship to the fastener utilized to secure the siding to the structure.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is known in the art to use vinyl siding to cover the exterior surfaces of structures, such as residential housing. Vinyl siding has particular advantages over wood based products in that vinyl siding is relatively non-porous and, therefore, not as susceptible to damage associated with mold and rot. Although it is known in the art to provide siding constructed of metal and the like, aluminum siding has the disadvantage of being less resilient than vinyl and more susceptible to dents and other damage.

It is known in the art to provide vinyl siding with elongated slots along its upper surface which allow the siding to be secured to the structure. Typically, unthreaded fasteners such as nails are provided through the slots to secure the siding through wall sheathing provided on the structure and into studs provided behind the sheathing. While nails work well to secure the siding to wooden studs, when it is desired to secure the vinyl siding through sheathing to metal studs, it is preferable to use self-tapping screws to avoid inadvertent and undesirable dislodgement of the fastener from the metal stud. To provide a screw type fastener with substantially the same strength characteristics of a nail type fastener, the shank of both the screw and nail must be substantially similar.

As the slots provided in the vinyl siding are typically designed to accommodate a shank of a nail, the slots are provided with a smallest dimension just slightly larger than the diameter of the nail shank. Accordingly, when a screw type fastener is used instead, the diameter of the thread crest associated with the screw is larger than the shank and, therefore, is often larger than the narrowest dimension of the slots provided in the vinyl siding. While the slots can be bent and the screw forced through to secure the screw to the metal stud, the siding slot comes to rest between the thread crests, providing very little longitudinal movement of the siding relative to the screw without contacting the threads of the screw.

With the thread crests of a larger diameter than the narrowest dimension of the slot, as the siding expands and contracts, instead of moving longitudinally in relationship to the screw, the slot catches on the threads of the screw, causing the vinyl to bend and warp. It would, therefore, be desirable to provide a fastening system for securing vinyl siding to a metal stud which included the securement advantages of a screw type fastener and the longitudinal movement advantages associated with a nail type fastener. The difficulties in the prior art discussed hereinabove are substantially eliminated by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an advantage provided by this invention, a siding securement system is provided which is of a low cost manufacture.

Advantageously, this invention provides a siding securement system which may be installed with standard tools.

Advantageously, this invention provides a siding securement system which holds siding securely to metal studs.

Advantageously, this invention provides a siding securement system which allows siding to move longitudinally in relationship to the fastener.

Advantageously, in a preferred example of this invention, a system for securing siding to a structure is provided. The siding is secured to a metal stud with a fastener. The fastener includes a first threaded portion secured to the metal stud and a second non-threaded portion. The siding rests on the non-threaded portion of the fastener, allowing the siding to move longitudinally in relationship to the fastener as the siding expands and contracts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the siding securement system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation of the fastener of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation in cross-section of the siding securement system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The siding securement system of the present invention is shown generally as (10) in FIG. 1. The system (10) includes a first length of siding (12) overlapping a second length of siding (14). The lengths of siding (12) and (14) are preferably constructed of vinyl or similar material in a manner known in the art. The lengths of siding (12) and (14) are preferably constructed with a curled over top portion forming nail hems (16) and (18). The lengths of siding (12) and (14) are also preferably provided with elongated slots (20) and (22), and locks (24) and (26). The lengths of siding (12) and (14) are also preferably provided with locking legs (28) and (30), in a manner such as that known in the art. The lengths of siding (12) and (14) are preferably placed over wall sheathing (32), fastened in place onto metal stud (34), using standard fastening techniques. To secure the lengths of siding (12) and (14) to the wall sheathing (32) and metal stud (34), special fasteners (36) are provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fastener is provided with a head (38) which, in the preferred embodiment, is a phillips type pan head. The head (38) may, of course, be of a wafer, “S”, truss or washer head type, or any other suitable type known in the art. The diameter of the head (38) is preferably between ¼ inch and 1.0 inch, and most preferably about ⅜ inch in diameter. Secured to the head (38) is a shank (40) which is preferably 1/16 inch to ½ inch in diameter, and most preferably about ⅛ inch in diameter. The shank (40) is preferably between ½ inch and 5.0 inches in length, and most preferably 1⅛ inches in length. The shank (40) is provided with a non-threaded portion (42) and a threaded portion (44). In the preferred embodiment, the non-threaded portion is ⅜ inch in length and the tip (46) is preferably ⅕ inch in length. The shank (40) is preferably threaded between the tip (46) and the non-threaded portion of the shank (42). The shank (40) may be of any desired length, but in the preferred embodiment is preferably 1¼ inches long. The threads (48) may be of any design known in the art, but in the preferred embodiment are provided with a major diameter of 0.161 inches and a minor diameter of 0.119 inches. The tip (46) of the fastener (36) is preferably of a self tapping type, such as that known in the art for insertion into metal studs. The entire fastener (36) is preferably constructed of steel and coated with a non-corrosive coating, such as zinc or the like. The dimensions and threading of the fastener (36) may be adjusted as desired, but preferably the non-threaded portion (42) of the shank (40) is at least ¼ to ½ inch in length, to allow for the slots (20) and (22) of the lengths of siding (12) and (14) to move thereon without becoming caught in the threads (48).

As shown in FIG. 1, when it is desired to utilize the siding securement system (10) of the present invention, the second length of siding (14) is positioned on the wall sheathing (32) and secured thereto utilizing the fastener (36). The tip (46) of the fastener is positioned through the slot (22) aligned with the metal stud (34) positioned behind the wall sheathing (32). A driving mechanism, such as a screw driver or electric drill (not shown) or the like, is utilized to drive the fastener (36) through the slot (22), wall sheathing (32) and into the metal stud (34). The self tapping tip (46) allows the fastener (36) to penetrate the metal stud (34). Preferably, the major diameter of the thread crests (50) is greater than the distance between the top (52) and bottom (54) of the slot (22).

The fastener (36) is inserted into the metal stud (34) until the head (38) of the fastener (36) contacts the nail them (18). The nail hem (18) maintains the head (38) a sufficient distance away from the wall sheathing (32) to allow the second length of siding (14) to move laterally relative to the fastener (36) along the non-threaded portion (42) of the shank (40). In prior art fastening systems, the threading extends nearly to the head of the fastener, allowing the slot to ride along and bind upon the threads. This binding causes the siding to have a warped or bubbled appearance. By allowing the second length of siding (14) to move along the non-threaded portion (42) of the fastener (36), expansion, contraction and movement of the siding as a result of the elements does not cause the siding (14) to bind. While fasteners with a thread crest diameter smaller than the distance between the top (52) and bottom (54) of the slot (22) would reduce the amount of binding on the threads (48), the irregular surface associated with the threads would still cause binding as the siding moved, and such a fastener would have far less strength than a fastener of a suitable diameter. The second length of siding is then secured in a similar manner to regularly spaced metal studs (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, once the second length of siding (14) has been secured to the metal stud (34), the first length of siding (12) is positioned over the second length of siding (14). As shown, the lock (24) of the first length of siding (12) is positioned over the lock (26) of the second length of siding (14). Similarly, the second nail hem (18) is provided over the first nail hem (16), and the first locking leg (28) is provided over the second locking leg (30). The first length of siding 12) is then slid laterally relative to the second length of siding (14) until the slots (20) and (22) are aligned as desired. Once the slots are aligned as desired, a second fastener (56) is inserted through slots (58) and (60), through the wall sheathing (32) and into a second metal stud (62).

Preferably, the slots (20), (22), (58) and (60) are positioned a predetermined distance relative to one another so that metal studs (34) and (60) located between the sheathing (32) can be identified merely by counting the number of slots and inserting fasteners (36) and (56) as desired. Once the second fastener (56) has been inserted sufficiently to contact the head (64) of the second fastener (56) with the first nail hem (16), additional fasteners (66) are inserted at regular intervals into metal studs to secure the remainder of the first length of siding (12). As shown in FIG. 3, once the first length of siding (12) has been secured to the metal stud (62), a third length of siding (68) is provided over the first length of siding (12) with a locking leg (70) of the third length of siding (68) engaged with the lock (24) of the first length of siding (12). The third length of siding (68) is then secured using fasteners (66) in a manner such as that described above.

Although the invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications can be made therein which are within the full, intended scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, it is anticipated that fasteners of any length, dimension, configuration or construction may be utilized in association with any type of siding known in the art, and applied to any type of structure known in the art. 

1. A system for securing siding to a structure comprising: (a) a length of siding defining a slot; (b) a screw provided through said slot and engaged with said structure, said screw comprising: (i) a slotted head; (ii) a shank secured to said slotted head; (iii) threads provided on said shank and engaged with the structure; and (iv) therein at least one half centimeter portion of said shank is unthreaded between said threads and said head. (c) wherein said shank is narrower than said slot; and (d) wherein said head is wider than at least one dimension of said slot.
 2. The system for securing siding to a structure of claim 1, wherein said slot is elongated.
 3. The system for securing siding to a structure of claim 2, wherein said head is secured at east 0.5 centimeters from the structure.
 4. The system for securing siding to a structure of claim 3, wherein thread crests of said threads have a greater diameter than said slot.
 5. The system for securing siding to a structure of claim 4, wherein thread crests of said threads have a greatest diameter greater than a smallest dimension of said slot.
 6. The system for securing siding to a structure of claim 5, wherein said shank is greater than 1.0 centimeter long and less than 7.0 centimeters long.
 7. The system for securing siding to a structure of claim 6, wherein said shank is greater than 1.0 millimeter and less than 7.0 millimeters in diameter.
 8. The system for securing siding to a structure of claim 1, wherein said shank is greater than 1.0 centimeter long and less than 7.0 centimeters long.
 9. The system for securing siding to a structure of claim 1, wherein threads crests of said threads have a greatest diameter greater than a smallest dimension of said slot.
 10. The system for securing siding to a structure of claim 9, wherein said shank is greater than 1.0 centimeter long and less than 7.0 centimeters long.
 11. The system for securing siding to a structure of claim 10, wherein said shank is greater than 1.0 millimeter and less than 7.0 millimeters in diameter.
 12. The system for securing siding to a structure of claim 11, wherein screw is provided through said slot in a manner which allows said length of siding to move freely laterally relative to said screw and longitudinally relative to said screw without engaging said threads.
 13. A system for securing siding to a structure comprising: (a) a length of siding defining a first slot and a second slot; (b) a first screw comprising: (i) a first slotted head; (ii) a first shank secured to said first slotted head; (iii) a first set of threads provided on said first shank and engaged with the structure; and (iv) wherein at least a one-half centimeter portion of said first shank is unthreaded between said first set of threads and said first head. (c) wherein said shank is narrower than said first slot; (d) wherein said first head is wider than at least one dimension of said first slot; (e) a second screw comprising: (i) a second slotted head; (ii) a second shank secured to said second slotted head; (iii) a second set of threads provided on said second shank and engaged with the structure; and (iv) wherein at least a one-half centimeter portion of said second shank is unthreaded between said second set of threads and said second head. (f) wherein said second shank is narrower than said second slot; (g) wherein said second head is wider than at least one dimension of said second slot; (h) wherein said first screw and said second screw are engaged to the structure in a manner which allows said length of siding to move lateral to said first screw and said second screw along said unthreaded portion of said first screw and said unthreaded portion of said second screw; and (i) wherein said first screw and said second screw are engaged to the structure in a manner which allows said length of siding to move normal to said first screw along said unthreaded portion of said first screw and normal to said second screw along said unthreaded portion of said second screw.
 14. The system for securing siding to a structure of claim 13, wherein thread crests of said first set of threads have a greater diameter than said first shank and wherein thread crests of said second set of threads have a greater diameter than said second shank.
 15. The system for securing siding to a structure of claim 14, wherein thread crests of said first set of threads have a greatest diameter greater than a smallest dimension of said first slot and wherein thread crests of said second set of threads have a greatest diameter greater than a smallest dimension of said second slot.
 16. The system for securing siding to a structure of claim 15, wherein said first slot said second slot are elongated.
 17. A method for securing a length of siding to a structure comprising: (a) providing a length of siding defining a first slot and a second slot; (b) providing a first screw comprising: (i) a second slotted head; (ii) a first shank secured to said first slotted head; (iii) a first set of threads provided on said first shank and engaged with the structure; and (iv) wherein at least a 0.5 centimeter portion of said first shank is unthreaded between said first set of threads and said first head. (c) wherein said shank is narrower than said first slot; (d) wherein said first head is wider than at least one dimension of said first slot; (e) providing a second second screw comprising: (i) a second slotted head; (ii) a second shank secured to said second slotted head; (iii) a second set of threads provided on said second shank and engaged with the structure; and (iv) wherein at least a 0.5 centimeter portion of said second shank is unthreaded between said second set of threads and said second head. (f) wherein said second shank is narrower than said second slot; (g) wherein said second head is wider than at least one dimension of said second slot; (h) securing said first screw to the structure through said first slot in a manner which allows said length of siding to slide laterally and normally along said unthreaded portion of said first screw; and (i) securing said second screw to the structure through said second slot in a manner which allows said length of siding to slide laterally and normally along said unthreaded portion of said second screw.
 18. The method for securing a length of siding to a structure of claim 17, wherein thread crests of said first set of threads have a greater diameter than said first shank and wherein thread crests of said second set of threads have a greater diameter than said second shank.
 19. The method for securing a length of siding to a structure of claim 17, wherein thread crests of said first set of threads have a greatest diameter greater than a smallest dimension of said first slot and wherein thread crests of said second set of threads have a greatest diameter greater than a smallest dimension of said second slot.
 20. The method for securing a length of siding to a structure of claim 17, wherein said first slot and said second slot are elongated. 